Regarding Childbirth....Ladies?

Question

Does having a first child truely, honestly prepare you for a second child in regards to the actual childbirth? I mean, I understand that after having the first, you would have the experience to reflect upon, but I can't imagine one would ever truely be prepared for what must be one of the most painful experiences a human can have, not to mention decide to put oneselt through. So there you have it...I really do want to understand if there is an ability to be truely prepared for the second.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have 5. The only thing the first child does is teach you what you should do the next time. As for the childbirth part NO. My first was not very painful My second I still have sympathy pains about that one. My 3one was premature and completely different from the first 2. My 4 I had to stop pushing the cord was around the baby's throat. My 5 th. The nurse had enough nerve to try and tell me that I was not in labor. BY then you know when you are in REAL labor. (braxton hix-- prepares a woman for real labor). I did not have any surprises with the last one.

Answer 2

I was very surprised to see my answer had not yet appeared! I really thought more women had the ulta, uber-fantastic experience that I did! You have to understand that the pain is incredibly, unbelievably awful. But even with my first, I was laying there going "Oh, my God, I'm really bringing a new life into the world! This is like the most intense, meaningful experience I have ever, or will ever have!" The nurses got the biggest kick out of me. They kept curling their lips over the other girl down the hall, who was calling everyone she ever knew by the foulest names she could think of. And the kicker is that when I had my second, I was NOT prepared for the experience to be as awesome as the first. Maybe a little of the magic had worn off, but it was still fantastic in spite of the pain. I checked with some family who remember how it was, in case I was misremembering a romantic image, and they say that's just the way I was. I made everybody sick, I was so 'up'. I had three altogether, and they were all different, but all the same.Wonderful!

Answer 3

To be honest, Yes it does prepare you for the second. Once you go through labor once you aren't as scared and nervous about it the second time.
WIth my son, I didn't really know what to expect. I had an epidural so Labor was a breeze. No pain at all. I just didn't realize how many IV's you have in your arm and what you need to bring to the hospital with you. I thought I had everything but forgot so much.
With my second, I didn't have any pain medication at all. I wanted to tough it out as long as possible before I got the epidural and waited to long. Had to go without. It was very painful but worth it. I knew what was going to happen and the procedures that were going to take place. All around it was easier.
With the second one I was more excited and not so scared of the unknown.
I due hope this has helped some.

Answer 4

Nope. Not really. Although with my second, I had a better idea of what was going on and what I wanted. My first birth experience was horrible, but everything was really different with the second. You still have that "how are they going to get this kid out of me?" fear with the second. You are a little more prepared, you know the ropes, so you know when to ask for drugs, you know when you are ready to push, etc.

Yes, it is a painful experience, but it is also one of the most beautiful experiences available. Bringing life into the world is incredible. The pain isn't something you really consider when it's all said and done.

Answer 5

I myself don't believe so, you see you can prepare for the first. Read all the books pack everything in the bag, have all the list, talk to a hundred people who have been there, and when it comes down to it it's nothing like you imagined or prepared for. I assume the same would be for the second. All pregnancies are different, and all labors. Even for the same person going through them, twice or even more.

Answer 6

It depends on how many years are between, as your body does change shapes, and it can better prepare you. However if there's too many years in between, it can be like having a first all over again.

As far as the experience, that can be helpful, although you do forget certain things over time also; not to mention each one being different. One may be a natural birth, while the next one may be Cesarean, etc.

My sister said her 3rd one just slid right out literally!

Answer 7

I don't know. I only have one but I can tell you that I understand why they say that youa re never truly perpared for childbirth. Period. As much as I researched and tlaked to so many people, I still wasn't prepared for what I went through and mine was fairly easy! I can't imagine what I would've done if I would've had complications.

Answer 8

Well I just had my second baby this past Saturday, on the 16th. And my answer would be NO cause up until it was time for me to push I was scared so bad.. And I think with the anxiety My second labor was harder then the first one. I think it was like that because I was too busy worrying about what happened last time. So it was rough!

I'm free now so I feel better but like I said my answer to your question would be NO!!!

Answer 9

Well, not to avoid the question, but I had two C-Sections. But quite honestly I was prepared for the surgery part, knew what to expect, etc.--but both babies were so different that the first experience did not prepare me for the second experience.....tho' now tht they are grown - it was so cool!

Answer 10

You will know what to expect the second time. I was more at ease during my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies because I'd already been through it before. Going through pregnancy for the first time is like going through uncharted territory.